Mazarine chest of drawers in ebony and blackened pearwood

Ile de France, circa 1710

Dimensions : H. 81 x W. 119 x D. 66 cm

This commode is a work made in Paris in the early years of the 18th century with sophisticated features and first-rate materials. Instead of the conventional three rows of drawers, this chest opens to 5 drawers in four rows. The rounded edges of the uprights are cut with particular care. The blackened pearwood veneered top and ebony veneered drawers are inlaid with large, finely engraved copper strips, forming a geometric pattern. On the top, five engraved arabesque motifs form part of the geometric pattern. On the sides and uprights, copper fillets are precisely inlaid to form a refined yet elegant design. The line of this commode is emphasized by a beautiful molded bronze molding that separates the top from the lower part.

In this perfectly proportioned commode, the decor is bright without being overloaded. In fact, during restoration, we removed some of the bronzes that had been added at the end of the 19th century and which surrounded and overloaded the drawer surrounds.

The bronze fittings perfectly respect the balance of space. The fine key escutcheons with their effigy of Bacchus, as well as the drop handles and clogs, have been brilliantly chiselled. The gilding has been reworked, as it was unfortunately very worn.

As for the drawers, the fine inlay work is executed in fine walnut. This chest of drawers is in perfect condition, having retained its bronzes, its entire fir and walnut structure, and almost all its veneer. It has just been meticulously restored.